(a) Prior to the implementation referendum conducted by the secretary, the proponents of the commission shall deposit with the secretary the amount that the secretary deems necessary to defray the expenses in creating the commission, including, but not limited to, preparing the necessary producer and vintner lists and conducting the referendum.
(b) Any funds remaining after paying expenses shall be returned to the proponents of the commission who deposited the funds with the secretary.
(c) The commission may reimburse the proponents of the commission for any funds deposited with the secretary that were used in carrying out this article and for any legal or other professional fees and costs incurred in establishing the commission.
(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 597, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2006.)